Legislation

ESTABLISHMENT:The Police Station, Dundas began operations on 15 December 1893. In February 1894 the name was changed to Police Station, Sandy Creek. The site of the station was re-located and the name changed to Police Station, Deep Creek in March 1896. The Deep Creek station was closed on 9 January 1904. Equipment and records were transferred to the township of Moore where the Police Station, Mooretown was established.

Prior to the passing of the "Police Act of 1863", Queensland's police force was highly de-centralised. Police were appointed by local police magistrates or justices of the peace. The network of police districts throughout the colony mirrored courts of petty sessions and small debts courts districts. The 1863 Act instituted a centralised police force under the control of the Commissioner of Police.

As the population of Brisbane grew and more Queensland towns became settled, police stations proliferated. Gold and mineral discoveries, economic forces and crime rates also affected the growth and strength of police, with variations from place to place.

In more remote areas, police stations (and native police camps) were staffed entirely by native police. Once white settlement in these areas became more established, the native police were replaced by regular forces.

By 1895 there were 222 police stations throughout the colony. Additional 'portable' police stations were erected from time to time in towns where there was only a temporary need for police presence.

Police stations throughout the State were frequently used simultaneously as the local court house, police station, lock-up and residential accommodation for police officers.

FUNCTIONS:Police officers stationed around Queensland performed a wide range of 'traditional' and extraneous duties, some of which are listed below:Dispute settlementLaw and order / patrols Statistical returns for the Registrar-GeneralCollection of license fees (liquor, etc.)Attendance at Court (eg. police, small debts, mining warden's and licensing courts)Emergency rescuesInspectionsTraffic controlSearches (missing persons)Service of warrants, summons and arrestsRail and mail escortsPrisoner and lunatic escortsPrisoners, short term custody ofPublic education and awarenessWatchhouse administration

In addition, police prepared jury lists and electoral rolls and acted as clerks of petty sessions, rangers of Crown lands, inspectors of slaughterhouses, district registrars of births, deaths and marriages, inspectors of brands, agents for the curator of intestate estates, customs officers, etc..

ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE:For administrative purposes, Queensland was divided into police districts (designated by a letter of the alphabet - eg. 'A' District,' B' District, and so on). These districts were further divided into sub-districts, within which were numerous police stations. Police inspectors visited at these stations at least once every year and reported to the Commissioner of Police on such matters as the condition of police stations and equipment, staffing levels and related issues, the keeping of police records and the performance of police duties.

The police station at Roma Street served as Police Headquarters.

AGENCY CONTROLLING:Police Inspector's Office, Moreton District

NOTE:Although staffed by police officers, police lockups form an integral part of prison administration. As it is often difficult to distinguish between the records of he police station and the police lockup, it has been decided that the agency of Police Station will be used whenever dealing with police lockups.